Atlanta—Groundbreaking is expected to take place this summer on HearthSide Peachtree City, a new moderately priced, amenity-rich senior living community from Atlanta’s NorSouth Development. The $14.2 million community will feature 96 apartments, and it will be located in Kedron Village, one of five interconnected villages that comprise Peachtree City, Ga.

Situated about a half hour drive south of Atlanta, Peachtree City is part of Fayette County, near Hartsfield Airport, and has a population of approximately 35,000. One of the city’s numerous distinctive features is a 90-mile multi-purpose path system that enables residents to do without cars, and get around on foot or by means of golf carts.

NorSouth officials believe this is the right project at the right time for Peachtree City.

“It’s supply and demand,” company vice-president Brendan Barr tells MHN. “Over the past 10 years, Peachtree City’s senior household growth has outpaced its total household growth. The demand is there, but on the supply side, there’s no comparable community to ours. So you have this pent-up demand, and very limited supply.”

Geared to residents 62 and older, the project was designed by Foley Design Associates Architects, Inc., and is being built by NorSouth Constructs. It is slated for completion in mid-2013. HearthSide Peachtree City will consist of a three-story building of stone, brick and Hardiplank siding, surrounded by exterior features like a walking path, creek, a garden center with planting beds and covered golf cart parking with charging stations.

Community common area amenities will include a community room with bistro, media room, fitness center, art studio and sunroom. An open living design will be the hallmark of the one- and two-bedroom residences, and they will include entertainment bars, designer kitchens with pantries, Energy Star appliances, microwaves, wall-to-wall carpeting, washer/dryer hook-ups and large walk-in closets. Direct entry from outside will be an added feature of select ground-floor residences.

Due to its commitment to green building, NorSouth Development designed HearthSide Peachtree City to meet EarthCraft Communities standards.

Barr reports the town fathers of Peachtree City were initially resistant to the concept. “We serve a renter-by-choice demographic,” he says.

“They’re motivated [to rent] by desire, not need. There’s a population that likes the flexibility our communities can provide them, with a standard lease term of 12 months, maintenance freedom and no down payment to become a resident. A significant percentage of our residents are new to the area; their families have moved here, and renting is an attractive option for them.”
Peachtree City officials warmed to the idea of HearthSide Peachtree City because it will increase the housing diversity of the municipality, and help provide a means for existing Peachtree City residents to age in place, Barr pointed out.

“This affords them another housing choice, letting them stay with their networks of family and friends,” he observes. “That’s important to the city. This project will be a long-term asset to Peachtree City.”